Happiness in a collective culture : the relationships between attitudes toward group, self-conceptions, and subjective well-being.

Abstract

Contemporary positive psychology literature is divided on the relationships between collectivism and subjective well-being. Whilst previous research evaluated SWB cognitively or affectively, the present study considered both cognitive and affective components simultaneously as separate outcome variables. The Asian Subjective Well-being (ASWB) construct, a cognitive evaluation, Positive Affect, and Negative Affect scales were used as outcome measures. The present study examined individuals’ differing attitudes toward interdependence with a referent group in relation to ASWB and affective experiences, and hypothesized that prominent collective self-conception might mediate this relationship in a collectivist culture, Singapore. Using a sample of 247 local undergraduates, results established a relationship between affective interdependence and subjective well-being, and a partial mediating role by collective self-conception. Affective and cognitive evaluations of well-being indeed reflect different aspects of happiness.